The European Commission has announced it will not propose new legal legislation to mandate the perpetual availability of video games, delivering a setback to the Stop Killing Games movement and its 'Stop Destroying Videogames' citizens' initiative. The movement had aimed to establish a legal framework preventing game companies from rendering paid-for titles unplayable by shutting down online services.
This decision follows recent parliamentary hearings where the initiative gained traction. The Commission stated that "at this stage it cannot propose a legal obligation to keep video games playable after they stop being provided commercially." It cited EU copyright law, which grants rights holders exclusive control over their creations, and asserted that existing EU consumer law already provides significant safeguards. However, the Commission did acknowledge a need for clearer consumer information, agreeing that "Video game providers must inform consumers about the duration and the conditions for terminating the contract before the consumers signs up for the video game." The mechanism for enforcing this transparency remains unclear.
In a move that aligns with one of the initiative's goals, the Commission pledged to engage with the games industry and consumer representatives to draft an "industry code of conduct on managing video games' 'end of life.'" This aims to increase transparency regarding the shutdown of live-service games. Additionally, the Commission plans to raise awareness about existing consumer rights, with the hope of incentivizing providers to offer games with longer lifespans and explore solutions that meet consumer expectations.
Ross Scott, founder of Stop Killing Games, expressed that the Commission's response was anticipated. "They're not going to propose new legislation," Scott stated, adding that the Commission's stance suggests leaving such issues to the courts. "The problem there is nobody knows what the law is. This practice has been going on at least since 2010 or 2013... and the law still doesn't have an answer for this."
Despite the legislative refusal, Scott urged supporters not to be discouraged. He highlighted that progress is being made within Parliament, mentioning potential amendments to the Digital Fairness Act and the movement's majority support there. "This is just exposing the EU Commission [as being] a roadblock on this," Scott remarked. The Stop Killing Games movement continues its advocacy globally, with efforts like the 'Protect Our Games Act' recently passing a key vote in California.